*KayLynn Smith, a senior at Mattawan High School, was named one of twelve Michigan students to receive a $2,500 scholarship from Honor Credit Union* this week.

Smith was selected for the credit union's 2026 Community Commitment Scholarship program, which awarded $30,000 total to high school seniors across the state. Each recipient received $2,500 to support their college education.

A Blind Selection Process

The scholarships were awarded through a blind selection process, according to Honor Credit Union. That means recipients were chosen without consideration of their last name or personal connections.

Students were selected based on their dedication to community service and their academic performance, the credit union said in a May 13 press release.

Smith was one of three recipients from the Southwest Region, which covers Berrien County. The other two winners from that region were Joshua Becraft of Niles High School and Lydia Constable of Berrien Springs High School.

A Decade-Long Commitment to Education

Honor Credit Union originally founded in 1934 as Berrien Teachers Credit Union, said education support is central to its mission. The not-for-profit institution serves more than 105,000 members across 27 branch communities in western and northern Michigan.

"Education isn't just part of our mission. It's the foundation of everything we strive to build for our communities," said Scott McFarland, CEO at Honor Credit Union. "Through programs like the Honor Community Commitment Scholarship, we're investing in students who dream boldly, lead with purpose, and work to make their world better."

All 2026 Scholarship Recipients

The twelve students selected for the 2026 Community Commitment Scholarship were:

  • Chance Lake – Harper Creek High School
  • Lilly Gray – Quincy High School
  • Jarred Curtiss – Otsego High School
  • Kylan Corbin – Portage Northern High School
  • Ainsley Brunette – Negaunee High School
  • Gunnar Nordeen – Gwinn High School
  • Sofia Hall – St. Joseph High School
  • Claire Heimsath – Bangor High School
  • Sara Callahan – Lakeshore High School
  • Joshua Becraft – Niles High School
  • KayLynn Smith – Mattawan High School
  • Lydia Constable – Berrien Springs High School

For more information about Honor Credit Union scholarship programs, visit honorcu.com.